Commencement Program, May 15, 1988
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Coastal Carolina University CCU Digital Commons Commencement Programs University Archives and Special Collections 5-15-1988 Commencement Program, May 15, 1988 USC Coastal Carolina College Coastal Carolina University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/commencement-programs Part of the Higher Education Commons, and the History Commons Recommended Citation USC Coastal Carolina College and Coastal Carolina University, "Commencement Program, May 15, 1988" (1988). Commencement Programs. 16. https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/commencement-programs/16 This Periodical is brought to you for free and open access by the University Archives and Special Collections at CCU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Commencement Programs by an authorized administrator of CCU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Coastal Carolina College of the University of South Carolina Commencement Exercises May 15, 1988 Twop.m. Coastal Carolina Campus ORDER OF EXERCISES Presiding: Dr. Ronald G. Eaglin Chancellor of USC Coastal Carolina College PRELUDE ............................................................................. .............................. Coastal Wind Ensemble Dr. William R. Hamilton, Director PROCESSIONAL ................................................................ .............................. Coastal Wind Ensemble NATIONAL ANTHEM .................................................. ................................... Coastal Wind Ensemble INVOCATION ...................................................................................... Mr. Christopher Connelly West Class of 1988 CHORAL PRESENTATION .............................................................. Coastal Carolina Concert Choir Ms. Carolyn G. Cox, Director WELCOME AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................ Mr. William II. Alford Chairman, Horry County Higher Education Commission UNIVERSI1Y DISTINCTIONS .......................................................................... Dr. Ronald G. Eaglin Chancellor, USC Coastal Carolina College CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREES ............................................. Dr. James B. Holderman President, The University of South Carolina DOCTOR OF FINE ARTS: Mr. Robby Benson DOCTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE: Mr. Clay D. Brittain, Jr. INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER. ..........Mr. Harold Boyd Brown, Jr. President, Class of 1988 COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS ............................................................................. Mr. Robby Benson PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES ........................................ Dr. James H. Rex Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs CONFERRING OF DEGREES IN COURSE ............................................. Dr. James B. Holderman PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS ................................ .............................. Dr. James B. Holderman Dr. Ronald G. Eaglin and Deans THE ALMA MATER ..............................................................................................................Traditional Led by Harold Boyd Brown, Jr., Class of 1988 BENEDICTION .............................................. ........................................ Mr. Robert Michael Anderson Class of 1988 RECESSIONAL .........................................................................................................................Traditional Citation for the Honorary Degree Doctor of Fine Arts Robby Benson Robby Benson was born in Dallas, Texas, on January 21, 1956, the son of Ann Benson and Jerry Segal. He grew up in New York City, graduating as valedictorian from the prestigious Lincoln Square Academy. His acting career started at age five when he began doing summer stock productions with his mother. By age ten, he was doing commercials, voice-overs, singing jingles, and looping children's voices on foreign films. A film actor since his 15th birthday, he made his debut in the 1971 production of Jeremy in which he portrayed a young cellist. His film credits include Running Brave, The Chosen, Ice Castles, Tribute, Die Laughing, and Harry and Son. He demonstrated his ability as a screen writer by collaborating with his father in writing Die Laughing and One on One. Mr. Benson directs and stars in his most recent feature film, Crack in the Mi"or, which expresses the problems of a young adult challenged by the drug world. Successful on Broadway as well, Mr. Benson made his debut at age 12 in Zelda. His other stage credits include The Pirates of Penzance and The Rothschilds. Also musically talented, Mr. Benson has been writing music since age five and has won two gold records for "Nobody Makes Me Crazy Like You Do" and "We Are Not Alone." Throughout his career, he has made frequent television appearances as a folk singer and composer . Recently, he scored two films, Walk Proud and The Breakfast Club. Long active in health and social concerns, Mr. Benson is a member of the American Heart Association and has appeared on behalf of the National Institute of Health before the ,Senate Appropriations Committee. A devotee of running and physical fitness, he competed often in the New York City Marathon, winning honors for his competition five years ago. Other interests include his membership in the Los Angeles Blind Children's Center and numerous community projects in the region of Southern California. He likewise maintains an active association with numerous basketball teams and clubs. Mr. Benson is married to actress and singer Karla DiVito, and they have a four year-old daughter, Lyric. For his contributions to the arts as an actor, author, producer, composer, and director; for his commitment to addressing important social issues through the performing arts; and for the deep concern for the wellare of young people he has shown in his work and in his personal life, the University of South Carolina, with the approval of its Board of Trustees, now presents Robby Benson for the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts. Citationfor the HonoraryDegree Doctor of Public Service Clay D. Brittain,Jr. Clay D. Brittain, Jr. was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on December 16, 1929, the son of Clay Dwight and Alma Chapman Brittain. He was reared in Graham, North Carolina where he graduated from high school with academic honors and participated in football and basketball. In 1947, lie entered the University of North Carolina. Mr. Brittain began his business career in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, operating his own beach service during the day and working at the Chesterfield Inn during the evening. In 1952, he leased the Chesterfield and managed it for several years until he and a partner purchased the property. During the next 30 years, Mr. Brittain continued to expand his business interests. In 1962, he acquired ocean front property where he opened Sea Captain's House restaurant which has become a Myrtle Beach landmark. In 1972, Mr. Brittain invested with a group who built Myrtle Beach National Golf Club. Throughout his business career, he has been involved in owning and managing restaurants, motels, and golf courses along the Grand Strand. Active in church and community affairs, he is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Myrtle Beach and has served on its administrative board for many years, including two years as chairman. He has also served on his church's Board of Finance and Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. He is presently in his second eight-year term as a director of Epworth Children's Home. Involved with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce since the late 1950's, Mr. Brittain is a past vice president and serves on its Board of Directors. He was president of the Ocean View Memorial Hospital Board and was instrumental in setting up the Ocean View Memorial Foundation and serving as the Foundation's presidenr after the hospital closed. He has also served on the local school board. Mr. Brittain is presently a member of the Downtown Improvement Steering Committee and is on the Board of Directors of South Carolina National Banlc. He is past president of Golf Holiday and serves on the Grand Strand Executive Golf Association Board. Mr. Brittain has been interested in USC Coastal Carolina College since its early years, and he was actively involved in the campaign to finance Wheelwright Auditorium. He has been a member of the Coastal Educational Foundation, Inc. since 1976 and currently serves as secretary-treasurer. Recently, he was named chairman of the foundation's current fund raising effort for USC Coastal, "The Campaign for Progress." Mr. Brittain was honored by the Myrtle Beach Jaycees as "Man of the Year" in 1980 and by the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce as "Citizen of the Year" in 1981-82. He is married to the former Patricia Crowell, and they have four children: Clay III, David, Matthew, and Mary. The Brittains reside in Myrtle Beach. For his untiring leadership in the community as evidenced by his work in church and civic organizations; for his unselfish devotion to the welfare of children through his work with Epworth Children's Home; for his commitment to the advancement of higher education at USC Coastal Carolina College; and for the contribution of time and service in bettering the quality of life in his community, the University of South Carolina, with the approval of its Board of Trustees, now presents Clay D. Brittain, Jr. for the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service. HISTORICAL NOTES Higher Education in Horry County had its beginning with the formation